The Flag Speaks:

Since the time of my birth many stories have been told about me. Now I feel it is my duty to tell you what I am and for what I stand.

Born during the Nation’s infancy, I have gown with it, my stars increasing in number as the country has grown in size. I am not only an emblem showing the authority of the United States, indicating supremacy when flying over land, ownership when flying over Government buildings, power when displayed by troops – I mean much more than that, I represent the ideals and traditions, the principles and institutions, the hopes and aspirations which constitute what is to mankind the greatest nation in the world, the United States.

Stirring are the stories of my stars and stripes. My thirteen red and white stripes recall the history of that long, bitter eight-year struggle in which the Thirteen Colonies fought and stood side by side for freedom, exemplifying the principle that “In union there is strength.”

Each of my stars tells the story of a great and sovereign State, which entered the Union.

Filled with significance are my colors of red, white and blue into which have been woven the courage and strength of Americans.

The red in my stripes proclaims the courage that inspires Americans to face danger and to do what is right. The strength and courage of Americans from the conquest of the wilderness by the pioneers, through the Revolutionary War, and all wars since, and all those who fought and served in our Armed Forces has done more than anything else to make the Nation over which I fly the greatest and most wonderful in the world.

My white stripes mark me as the emblem of the land of the free, the country in which the oppressed of the world may enjoy equality and liberty.

The blue in my field of stars stands for loyalty. It is true blue. It tells the story of thousands of men and women who have been loyal to their Country through suffering and hardships.

I signify the Law of the Land.

I stand for the Constitution of the United States.

I represent the Declaration of Independence, the Birth Certificate of the American Nation.

I stand for peace and goodwill among the Nations of the world.

I control the strong, protect the weak, relieve suffering, and do all I can for the betterment of mankind.

I stand for tolerance of all creeds and races.

I reflect the wealth and grandeur of this great land of opportunity.

I tell the story of the achievements and progress of the American people in art and science, culture and literature, inventions and commerce, transportation and industry.

I am the badge of the Nation’s greatness and the emblem of its destiny

I am whatever you make me, nothing more. I am your belief in yourself, your dream of what a People may become. I am fear and song, struggle and hope.

I am no more than what you believe me to be, and I am all you hope that I can be. I am the American Flag.